Concrete Lintels

Concrete Lintels

Concrete lintels are reinforced beams designed to support loads above openings in masonry walls. They distribute weight evenly across door and window spans. Naylor concrete lintels offer robust solutions for construction needs. 

Their durability and load-bearing capacity make them essential in all projects.

Are Concrete Lintels Stronger Than Steel Lintels?

Concrete and steel lintels each have unique strengths. Concrete excels in compressive strength, fire resistance, and corrosion resistance. It's often more cost-effective for shorter spans and provides excellent durability in various environments.

Steel lintels offer superior tensile strength and are suitable for longer spans. They're lighter, which can ease installation in some cases. The choice between concrete and steel depends on specific project requirements and load calculations.

What Are the Differences Between Precast Concrete Lintels and Traditional Concrete Lintels?

Precast concrete lintels and traditional (cast-in-place) concrete lintels differ in various ways.

  • Manufacturing: Precast lintels are factory-made under controlled conditions. Traditional lintels are cast on-site
  • Quality control: Precast options offer more consistent quality. On-site casting can be affected by weather and other conditions
  • Installation time: Precast lintels are ready to install, saving time. Traditional lintels require time for casting and curing on-site
  • Customisation: Traditional lintels allow for more on-site customisation. Precast lintels generally come in standard sizes 
  • Strength: Precast lintels often achieve higher strength due to controlled curing. The strength of traditional lintels can vary based on site conditions

What Size Concrete Lintel Do I Need to Buy for My Project?

Selecting the right concrete lintel sizes depends on several key factors. The opening width determines the required lintel length, while wall thickness influences the lintel's depth and width. Consider both dead loads (wall weight) and live loads (roofs; floors) when calculating the total load above the lintel.

Local building regulations may specify minimum sizes for certain applications. As a safety measure, choose a lintel rated for more than the calculated load. Standard concrete lintel lengths range from 600mm to 3600mm, with depths varying from 65mm to 215mm. 

5 Top Pro Tips on How to Install Concrete Lintels

  • Ensure proper support: Use adjustable props to support the lintel during installation and curing. Position these props at 600mm intervals to distribute the load evenly. Ensure the props are on a stable surface and properly tightened
  • Create a level bed: Apply an even mortar bed for the lintel to sit on. Use a spirit level to check for evenness across the bearing surface. A level bed ensures uniform load distribution and prevents stress concentrations that could lead to cracks
  • Maintain minimum bearing: Allow at least 150mm bearing on each end of the lintel. This ensures enough support and load transfer to the wall. For longer lintels or heavy loads, consider increasing the bearing length to 200mm or more
  • Use temporary supports: Keep props in place for at least 7 days or until the mortar has fully cured. This allows the mortar to reach sufficient strength before bearing the full load. In cold weather, extend this period as low temperatures can slow curing
  • Protect from weather: Cover newly installed lintels to prevent rain damage during curing. Use plastic sheeting or tarpaulins to shield the lintel and surrounding masonry. This protection also helps maintain consistent temperature and humidity

Concrete lintels are reinforced beams designed to support loads above openings in masonry walls. They distribute weight evenly across door and window spans. Naylor concrete lintels offer robust solutions for construction needs. 

Their durability and load-bearing capacity make them essential in all projects.

Are Concrete Lintels Stronger Than Steel Lintels?

Concrete and steel lintels each have unique strengths. Concrete excels in compressive strength, fire resistance, and corrosion resistance. It's often more cost-effective for shorter spans and provides excellent durability in various environments.

Steel lintels offer superior tensile strength and are suitable for longer spans. They're lighter, which can ease installation in some cases. The choice between concrete and steel depends on specific project requirements and load calculations.

What Are the Differences Between Precast Concrete Lintels and Traditional Concrete Lintels?

Precast concrete lintels and traditional (cast-in-place) concrete lintels differ in various ways.

  • Manufacturing: Precast lintels are factory-made under controlled conditions. Traditional lintels are cast on-site
  • Quality control: Precast options offer more consistent quality. On-site casting can be affected by weather and other conditions
  • Installation time: Precast lintels are ready to install, saving time. Traditional lintels require time for casting and curing on-site
  • Customisation: Traditional lintels allow for more on-site customisation. Precast lintels generally come in standard sizes 
  • Strength: Precast lintels often achieve higher strength due to controlled curing. The strength of traditional lintels can vary based on site conditions

What Size Concrete Lintel Do I Need to Buy for My Project?

Selecting the right concrete lintel sizes depends on several key factors. The opening width determines the required lintel length, while wall thickness influences the lintel's depth and width. Consider both dead loads (wall weight) and live loads (roofs; floors) when calculating the total load above the lintel.

Local building regulations may specify minimum sizes for certain applications. As a safety measure, choose a lintel rated for more than the calculated load. Standard concrete lintel lengths range from 600mm to 3600mm, with depths varying from 65mm to 215mm. 

5 Top Pro Tips on How to Install Concrete Lintels

  • Ensure proper support: Use adjustable props to support the lintel during installation and curing. Position these props at 600mm intervals to distribute the load evenly. Ensure the props are on a stable surface and properly tightened
  • Create a level bed: Apply an even mortar bed for the lintel to sit on. Use a spirit level to check for evenness across the bearing surface. A level bed ensures uniform load distribution and prevents stress concentrations that could lead to cracks
  • Maintain minimum bearing: Allow at least 150mm bearing on each end of the lintel. This ensures enough support and load transfer to the wall. For longer lintels or heavy loads, consider increasing the bearing length to 200mm or more
  • Use temporary supports: Keep props in place for at least 7 days or until the mortar has fully cured. This allows the mortar to reach sufficient strength before bearing the full load. In cold weather, extend this period as low temperatures can slow curing
  • Protect from weather: Cover newly installed lintels to prevent rain damage during curing. Use plastic sheeting or tarpaulins to shield the lintel and surrounding masonry. This protection also helps maintain consistent temperature and humidity